Adaptable Packaging Device for Optimizing Box Volume and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems face challenges in creating custom-sized boxes for items of varying sizes and quantities, particularly when cylindrical items roll away or when pre-folded boxes do not optimize volume, leading to inefficient use of space and increased transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize pre-folded cardboard boxes with adaptable panels, where the bottom and side panels are shortened and creased to form corner panels, allowing for customization of the box's dimensions to match the items, and a device with movable parts to facilitate efficient transfer and packaging of items into the box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If items are arranged in a crate with movable sidewalls and bottom to minimize packaging volume, then the packaging volume is optimized, but the arrangement tends to fall apart and cylindrical items may roll away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling items into a stable arrangement within a rigid crate before transferring them to the packaging blank. The crate provides temporary containment and stabilization during the arrangement phase, allowing optimization of item placement without risk of items rolling or shifting. Once the arrangement is finalized, it is transferred as a unit to the packaging blank, maintaining its stability throughout the packaging process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a custom sized box is created from a roll or stack of cardboard by cutting and creasing, then the box dimensions are adapted to the content, but the packaging process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a pre-folded cardboard blank with panels that can be dynamically adjusted in length before final folding. The blank includes end portions on the bottom and side panels that can be shortened to different lengths, allowing the box dimensions to be adapted to various item sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability is built into the blank design, enabling quick customization without complex cutting and creasing operations during the packaging process.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-folded boxes with fixed height are used, then the packaging process is simplified, but the finished package may not be optimal with respect to volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a pre-folded cardboard blank with panels of adjustable length. The bottom and side panels have end portions that can be shortened to different lengths before folding, allowing the final box height to be optimized for each specific packaging task. This maintains the simplicity of using pre-folded blanks while adding the flexibility to optimize package volume by adjusting panel lengths to match the actual item heights.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the end portions of panels are shortened prior to folding, then the box dimensions are customized to items, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cardboard blank into distinct panels (bottom panel, side panels, end panels) with separable end portions. Each panel's end portion can be independently shortened or removed, allowing precise customization of box dimensions. This segmented structure enables flexible adaptation to different item sizes while keeping the overall process relatively simple, as each segment can be adjusted independently without affecting the entire blank structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for assembling items for shipment are described, that facilitate positioning the assembled items, e.g., in a pre-folded cardboard box having at least an open top and an open side or on a conveyor transporting the items. The device may include; a bottom panel, two side panels, a first and a second end panel, wherein the bottom panel is substantially orthogonal to the side panels and the end panels, wherein the first end panel is arranged on the device to be movable with respect to the bottom panel, the first end panel being movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom panel and wherein the second end panel is arranged on the device to be movable towards and away from the first end panel in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom panel.